mariners

i911 helping Coast Guard save lives

First Coast Guard District command center crews, from Maine to Northern New Jersey, have a new tool to help distressed mariners come home to their families after being out to sea.

This is the verbiage of the text message the i911 system sends for mariners to follow to share their location with the Coast Guard. This system was new approved for use across the service. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicole J. Groll

The i911 program allows for watchstanders to use a mariner’s...

https://www.workboat.com/news/government/i911-helping-coast-guard-save-lives/

AWO webcast: Covid-19 tips for crew and vessel owners

A Kirby towboat and tow. David Krapf photo.

As part of its evolving effort to keep the barge industry informed about how best to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, the American Waterways Operators held a webinar on Tuesday to discuss best ways to protect crews and vessels from infection.

AWO members had the chance to ask questions to Dr. Christopher Kuhlman, a board-certified toxicologist and industrial hygienist. Kuhlman works at the Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health, which helps companies prepare for, respond to and...

https://www.workboat.com/news/coastal-inland-waterways/awo-webcast-covid-19-tips-for-crew-and-vessel-owners/

Pandemic as viewed from the water: mariners speak out

Coast Guard cadets Ben Morseth and Mason Totri (center) stand with John Belcher, captain of Canal Barge Company's Lainey Jones in 2015. Canal Barge Company photo.

Less navigation traffic. Worrying about loved ones at home. Temperature checks. Praying to stay healthy. Impossible to social distance. Lots of hand washing. Access to vessels restricted.

These are some of the concerns and observations posted by mariners on WorkBoat.com and Facebook over the past few days after we asked what life was like for mariners since the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic started to spread across the U.S.

Many said that their work continues as usual, although they are...

https://www.workboat.com/news/coastal-inland-waterways/pandemic-as-viewed-from-the-water-mariners-speak-out/

Coast Guard coronavirus update

Coast Guard marine inspectors Lt. Mary Morgan, Petty Officer 1st Class Jeff Deronde, Mike Pearson and Chief Petty Officer David Labadie all from Marine Safety Unit Portland, present a Subchapter M Certificate of Compliance to the crew of the towing vessel Sommer S., operated by Shaver Transportation, in Portland, Ore., July 20, 2018. Coast Guard photo/ Lt. Anthony Solares.

The Coast Guard released a Marine Safety Information Bulletin Friday on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and how it may affect mariners and maritime commerce. The CDC has updated their Interim Guidance for Ships on Managing Suspected Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Cruise Ship Travel.

If a person becomes ill on board any vessel that may adversely affect the safety of a vessel or port facility is a hazardous condition per 33 CFR 160.216 and must be reported immediately to the Coast Guard...

https://www.workboat.com/news/government/coast-guard-coronavirus-update/

Coast Guard: Prepare for high water season

As the high water season begins on the Mississippi River and the Western Rivers, the Coast Guard urges mariners to prepare for the risks associated with high water levels and strong currents.

High water and strong river currents can quickly create a dangerous situation for a vessel and its crew. It is important to take actions that reduce the risks associated with high water. One towing vessel crew recently proved that simple preventative measures can make a major difference.

On Jan. 12, the crew...

https://www.workboat.com/news/coastal-inland-waterways/coast-guard-prepare-for-the-high-water-season/

Mariners struggle to find happiness in their work, study shows

Some female mariners reported feeling lonely or isolated, especially when they were the only woman onboard. ORBCOMM Inc. photo

International seafarer welfare charity The Mission to Seafarers, has announced that reports of obesity, mental health problems and gender discrimination among seafarers are on the rise, while happiness at sea continues to fall. The Mission to Seafarers, London, provides help and support to the 1.5 million men and women who face danger every day to keep our global economy afloat. The group works in over 200 ports in 50 countries caring for seafarers of all ranks, nationalities and beliefs.

Accordi...

https://www.workboat.com/news/bluewater/mariners-struggle-to-find-happiness-in-their-work-study-shows/

Datrex offers new Maxflow mesh vest PFD

Datrex DX2300 Maxflow mesh vest. Datrex photo

For mariners tired of wearing stiff foam-style personal flotation devices (PFDs) that are hot and uncomfortable, Datrex, the Kinder, La.-based manufacturer of marine and emergency equipment, has a new option to consider: the Datrex DX2300 Maxflow Mesh Vest.

The Datrex Maxflow Mesh Vest is a brand, new product, with the company receiving U.S. Coast Guard approval late last year and the initial batch of vests on hand this week. The new Datrex PFD meets the requirements for Level 70 Newton...

https://www.workboat.com/news/people-and-products/datrex-offers-new-maxflow-mesh-vest-pfd/

National Maritime Center reopens

A sample Merchant Mariner Credential. Coast Guard image.

The National Maritime Center (NMC) reopened on Monday and is implementing measures to address increased levels of application inventory.

· Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC) and Medical Certifications (national endorsements only) set to expire in December 2018, January 2019, or February 2019 remain valid until May 31, 2019. (See Update 3 – Mitigation Efforts Due to Lapse in Fiscal Year 2019 Appropriations and Partial Government Shutdown.)

· Additional Information (AI) letters, Qualified Assessor...

https://www.workboat.com/news/government/national-maritime-center-reopens/

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